You're looking for a wedding photographer and maybe you've started to notice you like some photographers a heck of a lot more than others. This could be because you've found a particular style of photography that you like more than another. Knowing what style you prefer will really help you find the right photographer for your wedding day.
This image care of Lisa Brown, Bella Rose Photography
www.bellarosephoto.com
The main goal with traditional or classic wedding photography is to produce posed shots for display in an album. The photographer usually creates a "shot list" and tries to get all the images the bride and groom request. To make sure every detail of the shot is correct, the photographer and assistants adjust their cameras, equipment, background, the subject's body alignment, and attire to get perfect photograph. Classic and Traditional photographers will need to be able to take control of the situation to get the perfect shot.
Photo Care of: Blaine Photography, Keith Blaine Photographer (That's us!)
Documentary Wedding Photography or Photojournalism Wedding Photography is about collecting, editing, and presenting images that tell a story. Rather than posing for your pictures, the photographer follows you and your guests throughout the wedding day, capturing events as they unfold in order to tell the story of your wedding. The photographer should be able to fade into the background and become "invisible" to the crowd in order to get these candid, or unposed, shots. The photographer attempts to produce truthful, objective, candid photography of a particular subject. Since the photojournalist does not give direction, he or she will need a keen eye and willingness to "do what it takes to get the shot." This is my favorite wedding photography style (and that photo was taken by my husband, Keith) because the candid nature of this style of photography is great at capturing emotion. When I look at my own documentary wedding photos, they transport me right back to the time, the day, the event, the feeling. Traditional/Classic wedding photography is beautiful for generations to come, but photojournalistic wedding photography is transportive. And a good photojournalistic approach highlights not only the beauty and grace of a wedding, but it savors the moment for generations to come. I'll post my favorite documentary photographers in a blog post soon. (I've got some good ones!)
Photo: ©Kristin Reimer/Photomuse, New Jersey
Illustrative Photography is a style, often used for engagement photos, is a blend of traditional and photojournalistic, with an emphasis on composition, lighting and background. The photographer places subjects together in an interesting environment, and encourages them to relax and interact. Illustrative captures some of the spontaneity of candids, while offering the technical control of posed shots. Is this shot incredible or what?
Photo care of: Dario Impini, Indiana
Traditional Photographers generally excel at the precision required in portraiture - formal, posed pictures that emphasize one or more people. Portraiture generally comes hand in hand with the Traditional / Classic wedding photographers. Note how this shot would be an incredible addition to a formal wedding album.
Both Photos Care of: Victor Babintsev
Couples interested in a more edgy result may prefer Fine Art Portraiture for posed shots with more dramatic lighting, and unique angles.
Photo Care of: Andrew Maidanik, California
Weddings : http://www.photowedding.ca/
Fashion : http://www.dgpix.com/
Commercial high fashion photographers excel at creating striking, simple photographs that dramatize the subject - and her attire. Though not a style generally included in wedding photography, living in LA, high fashion photographers are in high demand and can create an unusual, fresh take on wedding portraiture. Usually, I would recommend a high fashion photographer in addition to another wedding photographer, but this high-fashion commercial photographer, Andrew Maidanik, not only shoots beautiful fashion images, but he also does incredible wedding photography. Also consider a high-fashion photographer for a fresh take on engagement photography, or as a before or after wedding couple portraits. I love this photographer's "Fashion and Beauty" website gallery from his dgpix website above.
Photos Care of: Vale Cervarich, Natural Light Photography
Rather than making use of a camera flash, natural light photographers use the light found in the setting, usually daylight. The look is warm, soft and natural - yet the photographer must be skilled to deal with shadows and other lighting challenges. After all, a camera is a machine and it requires light to function. Natural Light photography can produce some amazing shots if you find a very talented, seasoned professional, but I wouldn't trust a wedding to any photographer who is new to the business if you decide you like Natural Light Photography. This kind of photography really relies on a experience and being able to judge any lighting situation to be able adjust the camera accordingly. This Natural Light wedding photographer, Vale Cervarich really knows how to work the light.Fine Art Wedding Photographers:
Fine Art Photography is a single photograph that can stand alone in a gallery or art exhibit. This is a tricky category because all wedding photographers would probably consider themselves "fine art photographers." Traditional, Documentary, Photojournalistic, Illustrative, it doesn't matter because they will all be considered "fine-art photographers." So I'll just say this: if you google "fine art wedding photographers" you will find the most expensive wedding photographers.
But on a personal level, I found my own wedding photographers through this exact google search and they did the most incredible job. I look at the photos from my wedding and am humbled as a photographer because every, single shot belongs in a gallery all by itself. They call themselves documentary photographers, but they truly are fine-art photographers. I intend to post the details soon. So stay tuned to the blainephotography blog!
Megan Blaine
www.blainephoto.com
This is very informative Megan. Wish I'd had this language when I got married. Though luckily it turned out great just the same. Hmmm...but for the next life event...right?!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked my blog post! And, yes this guide works for all portraits and parties really. :)
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